ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki is at the center of a fan controversy after revealing a new tattoo during the group’s August concert tour.

ENHYPEN Ni-ki tattoo controversyperson' 'suit' 'tie' 'hair' 'serious.

While his earlier rib tattoo received mixed reactions, his latest ink — a kiss mark on his lower abdomen — has sparked stronger debate, mainly due to its design and placement.

Earlier this year, Ni-ki debuted a large rib tattoo, which drew attention but ultimately gained acceptance among many fans. However, a recent concert clip revealed a new kiss mark tattoo, and reactions online were far less forgiving. Some fans interpreted the tattoo as representing intimacy or mimicking a partner’s lips, which contributed to the backlash.

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Many fans voiced disappointment on social media, criticizing both the design and its location. One fan on X wrote, “From now on, don’t say Ni-ki has good aesthetics. Every single one of his tattoos is awful.” Another commented, “Is Ni-ki just pranking us to see how much chaos he can create for ENGENEs? He’s nailed it.”

Some supporters defended Ni-ki, suggesting he may not have been aware of the cultural implications of the kiss mark. A fan explained, “Ni-ki probably got it just for aesthetics. People are overanalyzing way too much.” They argued that the tattoo reflects personal expression rather than a deliberate message, and that judging him for it is unfair.

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The discussion quickly spread to Korean forums such as TheQoo, where posts about Ni-Ki’s tattoo went viral. Comments were mixed, ranging from disgust to indifference:

  • Ewkkk lol
  • If my bias did that, I’d unfollow immediately.
  • It’s his body, but it’s my choice to stop supporting him.
  • I’ve seen bad idol tattoos before, but this one feels different.
  • I don’t understand why people say the placement is terrible. It’s just ugly.

Ni-ki’s new tattoo has reignited discussions about idol tattoos in K-Pop, highlighting the tension between personal expression and fan expectations. Whether this controversy will fade or continue to influence fan perception remains to be seen.

Sources: Theqoo